GROUP TRAININGOrientation TrainingIn group training, trainees receive training inone large group. This method allows a largenumber of people to learn at the same time,thereby reducing the time devoted to training. Theinstructors use training aids, demonstrations,lectures, and group discussions, which increasethe effectiveness of the training. However, thismethod is effective only for information that doesnot require a lot of hands-on practice withcomplex processes or equipment.THE SCHOOLHOUSE METHODTrainees of the schoolhouse method attend aspecially organized Navy or civilian trainingcourse. This method of training is highly effective,but the person must frequently accept temporaryadditional duty (TAD) at another location toattend the course. Thus, the command loses theindividual for the duration of the training. Thatdrawback, coupled with the expense of sendingthe person TAD, reduces the effectiveness ofthis method. Commands can make it effective,however, by using a few people to teach many.That is, commands can send a few people TADto learn new skills; after those people return, theycan then teach the skills to their shipmates.THE IN-HOUSE TRAININGMETHODThe best training method is an in-housetraining program that combines the apprentice-ship, group, and schoolhouse methods to meet theneeds of your command.Any effective training method requires care-fully planned and properly scheduled lessons.When developing lesson plans and setting upschedules for in-house training, remember twoimportant elements. First, the larger the volumeof information, the more time the trainee willrequire to absorb it. Second, the speed at whichpeople learn varies, though given enough time andenough practice, most people can learn any skill.Through systematic training people can learn jobsin a fraction of the time normally requiredthrough self-study. Planning ensures the traineewill receive in-house training in everythingrequired to perform the job. Scheduling providesthe time needed for training.The Navy uses four types of in-housetraining:orientation, on-the-job, refresher, and career orprofessional development training.Orientation training is designed to acquaintNavy personnel with their new organization, theirplace in the organization, and the part theorganization plays in carrying out the Navysmission(s). Every person entering an organizationor unit for the first time needs orientationtraining. Before people can become enthusiasticabout their work, they must know somethingabout the organization and feel a sense of pridein being a part of it. Generally, new people areapt to be more attentive, open-minded, and eagerto learn than the old hands; and what theylearn is more likely to remain indelibly fixed intheir minds. Therefore, a good orientation isimportant to new people.On-the-Job TrainingOn-the-job training teaches Navy personnelhow to do the jobs to which they have beenassigned. Since that is among the most importanttraining supervisors do, they must conduct it withgreat care. Careless or indifferent training couldresult in higher operating costs; in extreme cases,it could prevent mission accomplishment or costsomeone his or her life or a limb. Untrainedpersonnel are the most expensive individuals onthe Navys payroll. Untrained people always costmore in dollars and operational capability thana trained, mission-capable person, The cheapest,most cost-efficient way to train new personnel isthrough a regularly scheduled training program.Refresher TrainingRefresher training helps people keep up tospeed.It enables people to brush up onknowledge and skills they already have but do notuse often. It also teaches them about any changesin methods or techniques. Refresher training takesplace after people have completed job training.Career or ProfessionalDevelopment TrainingCareer or professional development trainingdevelops and improves the knowledge, skills, andabilities of your people to prepare them to fillpositions of greater responsibility. Such traininghelps people prepare for advancement eventhough it may not relate to their immediate jobs.5-3